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Protect the community by preparing your propertyWith some warmer weather finally on its way, Bass Coast Shire Council is asking property owners to prepare their properties for summer. By Portal Admin - 28th November 2016 - Back to News Council is working on a range of fire prevention activities in the lead up to summer and despite the recent rainfall, it’s important for residents to be prepared.
Property inspections have begun this month, and Council’s General Manager Healthy Communities and Governance, David Elder, said it is the responsibility of property owners to ensure their land is maintained throughout the year and doesn’t pose a risk to others.
"In instances where properties are not maintained, Council can issue a Notice to Comply, which requires property owners to cut long grass on their land," Mr Elder said.
"If our Fire Prevention Officers find the owner is clearly in breach of their responsibilities, however, they may be served with a Fire Prevention Notice.
"Fire Prevention Notices are only sent to properties where this process identifies a genuine threat of fire to life and property."
Council Officers will be inspecting vacant land in particular and will be requesting that works to cut grass and tidy up blocks are completed by early December.
To assist with preparing properties, Council’s annual Green Waste Amnesty period is also being held until 14 December 2016.
"Residents and visitors are able to dispose of domestic-sized loads of green waste free of charge at Grantville Landfill, Wonthaggi and Inverloch Transfer Stations and Cowes Recycling Bank," Mr Elder said.
"Council offers this service to encourage residents and holiday home owners to get ready for the fire season each year by removing overhanging limbs, dry leaves and cutting long grass, which they can dispose without charge at our local facilities."
Council has also been inspecting its own land and has reviewed its fire prevention works plans for high risk coastal and bushland reserves, and the updated plans will be available on Council’s website in early December.
"These plans identify high risk vegetation in reserves and foreshores and work is underway on maintaining fire breaks, fire access tracks and to remove ground fuel in high risk areas," Mr Elder said.
"We are doing this in a sensitive manner to reduce any adverse affect to native flora and fauna."
Rural property owners considering burning off should have a copy of Council’s Rural Burning Off Guidelines to understand the precautions that must be taken.
These guidelines include information about important things to check before starting to burn off, such as the weather forecast and pile size restrictions.
They also let you know who you need to tell about the planned burn and what timelines apply, such as making sure you have notified adjoining landowners or neighbours 24 hours prior to burning off.
It’s also important that you ensure fire services are aware of your planned burn.
Please give the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) two hours’ notice (1800 668 511) before you start burning off, as this prevents an unnecessary fire brigade response.
You may also need to register your burn with Council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Team if the area to be burnt abuts a residential area.
Burning off in residential areas is not allowed.
Council’s guidelines apply at all times except for during the Fire Danger Period and on days of Total Fire Ban, when burning off is prohibited.
The guidelines are available from Council offices or downloadable from Council’s website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/burningoff.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding the Rural Burning Off Guidelines, contact Council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Corin Spencer and Jo Breen have begun inspecting properties in preparation for summer as part of its fire prevention activities.
For more information contact:
Simone Short
media communications officer
t (03) 5671 2703 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0400 804 187
e simone.short@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations. - Baw Baw Shire Council to consider cost of returning to weekly red-bin collections
Baw Baw Council will investigate the costs and implications of restoring weekly red-bin collections after a 6,139-signature petition highlighted strong community concern over the FOGO changes. - Labor invests $120,000 to modernise Traralgon Library with new study pods and improved community spaces
Harriet Shing joined Latrobe City Mayor Cr Gibson and councillors to announce a $120,000 library upgrade, jointly funded by government and council - Baw Baw Shire Council urges election commitments on hospital, roads, transport and infrastructure for growing communities
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging state and federal leaders to support local priorities, including a new hospital, transport, roads, housing, tourism and infrastructure, ahead of Victoria’s November election. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges election candidates to fund critical projects before Victorian state election in November
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to fund critical local projects, including road upgrades, trails, sporting infrastructure, business development and a new West Gippsland Hospital. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges Victorian election candidates to cut red tape and boost farm gate tourism opportunities
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reduce red tape and ease planning restrictions on farm gate businesses, reforms could boost agritourism, support local producers, create jobs and strengthen regional tourism. - Wellington Shire Council updates flood mapping to improve safety, planning, climate resilience and development decisions across the municipality
Wellington Shire Council is updating flood mapping and planning controls, incorporating climate impacts, to improve safety, guide development and manage flood risks. Public submissions close 2 November 2026. - Wellington Shire dog attacks decline, but council urges owners to secure pets and practise responsible dog ownership
Wellington Shire recorded 64 dog attack reports over the past year, down from 93. Council urges owners to secure dogs, supervise children and practise responsible pet ownership to prevent further incidents. - Wellington Shire Council opposes mandatory fourth glass recycling bin, urging Victoria to allow council flexibility instead
Wellington Shire Council has again urged the Victorian government to scrap mandatory household glass bins, citing costs, practicality and existing Container Deposit Scheme success while seeking greater flexibility for regional councils. - Wellington Shire Council 2026 hard waste collection returns this spring for convenient household clean-up and recycling
Wellington Shire Council’s annual hard waste collection returns from September 28 to October 30, offering residents convenient disposal of unwanted household items, including e-waste, while supporting recycling and reducing illegal dumping. - East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming 1 October 2026, allowing access to other networks during eligible natural disasters
East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming, activated by Telstra, Optus and TPG on October 1, 2026, allowing access to other networks for essential calls, texts and limited data during eligible disasters.
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